In this episode, we delve into the critical discussions from the 2024 SDG Conference Bergen, where GRIP organised a session titled “Tackling the Rise of Illiberalism.” This session brought together students, researchers, and academics to explore the chilling effects of far-right populism on educational systems worldwide.
Key Highlights:
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Neoliberalism’s Vulnerabilities: Andrea Pető from Central European University discusses how neoliberal ideologies, emphasising competition and metrics, create academic vulnerabilities. She highlights the far-right’s attacks on gender studies, critical race theory, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the broader implications for academic freedom and democratic societies.
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Subtle Signs, Profound Impact: Amy Kapit from Scholars at Risk warns of seemingly minor changes, such as restrictions on posters or event cancellations, as early warning signs of eroding liberalism. Her organisation tracks global attacks on academic freedom, emphasising the interconnectedness of illiberalism with democratic backsliding.
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Building Resistance, Fostering Solidarity: Şansal Güngör Gümüşpala from the University of Victoria shares firsthand experiences of the chilling effect of illiberalism in Turkey, highlighting the importance of building strong community ties and fostering open dialogue within academia.
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Reclaiming the Narrative: Jens Jungblut from the University of Oslo examines the role of neoliberal policies in undermining academic freedom, citing privatisation as a key factor. He discusses how populist parties prioritise shaping education content to promote national identity and traditional values over academic exploration.
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Moving Forward: The session concludes with a call to action for fostering spaces for diverse voices and critical discussions. The speakers stress the importance of rethinking higher education’s structure and values to create a more inclusive learning environment and defend academic freedom and democratic principles.
Join us as we explore these pressing issues and discuss innovative strategies for resisting illiberalism and safeguarding academic freedom. This episode underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders to confront these global challenges.
Tune in to gain insights and be part of the conversation on defending the foundations of democratic societies through academic freedom.
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